Frank Bonner

The once-and-future Herb Tarlek from "WKRP in Cincinnati" (CBS, 1978-1982), Frank Bonner was a comic actor and director who came to personify the worst aspects of salesmanship on the critically acclaimed television comedy. Based on a real-life sales executive and acquaintance of series creator Hugh Wilson, Herb's desperation and crass behavior made him the butt of numerous jokes on the series, and endeared Bonner to television audiences. After the show came to an end, he found regular work in sitcoms as both performer and director, but Herb Tarlek would remain Bonner's calling card for decades to follow.